Abuja: Nigerian Army troops in Enugu seized a bomb, a rifle, and ₦2 million ransom cash during a raid in Ajali Forest, uncovering a militant base linked to a kidnap suspect.
The operational report was released on Tuesday in Abuja.
The report described how troops from 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion, and the Air Component entered Ajali Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area to disrupt criminal activities. They conducted thorough clearance operations to locate weapons, explosives, and suspects.
It said the troops targeted enclaves of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Troops found an anti-tank improvised explosive device along the route.
“The IED was recovered to a safe area by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team after three failed detonation attempts,” the report stated.
Troops used bulldozers and chainsaws to clear obstacles, making the forest less accessible to criminals.
In another case, troops at Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, raided a site based on intelligence.
Based on security information, troops traced the ransom money electronically to a location near their deployment. This prompted them to search the area immediately as part of their operation.
Troops responded by moving to the specified location, where they apprehended the brother of the primary kidnap suspect found at the scene.
Further search recovered a pump-action rifle and ₦2 million from the suspect’s home.
The suspect and recovered items were handed to the relevant authorities for investigation.
All operations concluded successfully without incident, the report added.